This approach was used, together with multi body dynamics, to show that typical design and driving loads are not sufficient to cause buckling of the steering rod when operating inside the vehicle performance envelope.

The customer was able to refute a warranty claim that had the potential to become a costly retro-fitting exercise.

The graph, below shows the that the force required to start plastic failure of the steering rod is around 1250 force units. This force was much higher than the design load for the specified vehicle performance.